Kim Sung-hwan, the Minister of Climate Energy and Environment, stated that he will actively consider lowering the minimum output standards for coal power generation once the effects of the Middle East conflict subside. However, he emphasized that, for now, additional operations of nuclear and coal power plants are unavoidable due to the impact of the conflict on gas supply and electricity costs.
During a comprehensive audit at the National Assembly's Climate Energy Environment Labor Committee on October 26, Minister Kim responded to a related inquiry from Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-hye, saying, "Once the effects of the Middle East conflict settle down, I will actively review the issue of adjusting the minimum output standards for coal as you mentioned."
Minister Kim explained that there may have been insufficient review of the minimum output standards for coal power generation during this year's efforts to curb gas usage. He noted that, considering the significant losses experienced by Korea Electric Power Corporation during the Russia-Ukraine war, additional operations of coal plants slated for closure are being carried out.
He stated, "This year, we are implementing policies to operate nuclear and coal power plants additionally to minimize gas demand as much as possible."
On this day, it was pointed out that lowering the minimum output for coal power generation could help reduce issues related to the control of renewable energy output and the start-stop operations of coal plants. The minimum output refers to the lowest output level that must be maintained when operating generators without shutting them down.
Lawmaker Park argued that lowering the minimum output standards in the Gyeongbu region, where electricity demand is low, would allow several coal plants to operate at lower outputs, thereby alleviating issues related to start-stop operations. He called for a review of the plan to lower minimum output standards alongside the Ministry's consideration of actualizing start-up costs.
Park also demanded a reassessment of the appropriateness of the domestic minimum output standard for coal power, which is around 60%. He cited examples of Japan lowering its new thermal power minimum output standard to 30% and China applying a standard of 25%, emphasizing that reliance solely on power companies' explanations is insufficient.
The cost burden of energy storage systems (ESS) to support the expansion of renewable energy also emerged as a contentious issue. Park raised concerns about the disparity in charges for pumped storage and the electricity used for charging ESS, highlighting fairness issues.
Minister Kim responded that he is reviewing ways to reflect the cost benefits of ESS in reducing the need for additional construction of transmission and distribution networks. He noted, "Increasing ESS will help avoid costs associated with installing additional transmission or distribution networks," and added that he would consider whether to fully waive charges or impose only a minimal fee.
During a comprehensive audit at the National Assembly's Climate Energy Environment Labor Committee on October 26, Minister Kim responded to a related inquiry from Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-hye, saying, "Once the effects of the Middle East conflict settle down, I will actively review the issue of adjusting the minimum output standards for coal as you mentioned."
Minister Kim explained that there may have been insufficient review of the minimum output standards for coal power generation during this year's efforts to curb gas usage. He noted that, considering the significant losses experienced by Korea Electric Power Corporation during the Russia-Ukraine war, additional operations of coal plants slated for closure are being carried out.
He stated, "This year, we are implementing policies to operate nuclear and coal power plants additionally to minimize gas demand as much as possible."
On this day, it was pointed out that lowering the minimum output for coal power generation could help reduce issues related to the control of renewable energy output and the start-stop operations of coal plants. The minimum output refers to the lowest output level that must be maintained when operating generators without shutting them down.
Lawmaker Park argued that lowering the minimum output standards in the Gyeongbu region, where electricity demand is low, would allow several coal plants to operate at lower outputs, thereby alleviating issues related to start-stop operations. He called for a review of the plan to lower minimum output standards alongside the Ministry's consideration of actualizing start-up costs.
Park also demanded a reassessment of the appropriateness of the domestic minimum output standard for coal power, which is around 60%. He cited examples of Japan lowering its new thermal power minimum output standard to 30% and China applying a standard of 25%, emphasizing that reliance solely on power companies' explanations is insufficient.
The cost burden of energy storage systems (ESS) to support the expansion of renewable energy also emerged as a contentious issue. Park raised concerns about the disparity in charges for pumped storage and the electricity used for charging ESS, highlighting fairness issues.
Minister Kim responded that he is reviewing ways to reflect the cost benefits of ESS in reducing the need for additional construction of transmission and distribution networks. He noted, "Increasing ESS will help avoid costs associated with installing additional transmission or distribution networks," and added that he would consider whether to fully waive charges or impose only a minimal fee.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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